KUALA LUMPUR, March 29 — Communications Minister Fahmi Fadzil announced that 169 Sarawak Multimedia Authority Rural Telecommunication (SMART) towers are currently operational, providing 4G Multi-Operator Core Network (MOCN) services across the state as of March 22. Fahmi revealed this information during a press conference where he elaborated on the ongoing efforts to enhance broadband access in rural and remote areas of Sarawak, in response to a question raised by Edwin Banta (GPS-SELANGAU) during Question Time earlier.
The SMART towers are part of a larger initiative aimed at erecting 600 telecommunication towers throughout Sarawak, with allocations provided by the Malaysian Communications and Multimedia Commission (MCMC), the Ministry of Finance (MoF), and telecommunications companies (telcos). Fahmi outlined the funding breakdown for the project, with MCMC allocating RM42.9 million in the first year, followed by allocations from MoF and telcos in subsequent years, totaling RM206.78 million to ensure the success of the initiative.
While discussing the progress of the SMART600 project, Fahmi noted that it has faced challenges due to issues such as the lack of transmitters or radios. However, efforts have been made to address these issues, with 244 towers already completed and 297 towers ready for use, including those equipped with the Sarawak Rural Broadband Network (MySRBN). Additionally, ongoing construction and relocation activities are underway to further bolster broadband infrastructure in the region, underscoring the government’s commitment to improving connectivity in rural and remote areas of Sarawak.
